7 HR Tools and Resources for Small Business Owners

By Annabelle Smyth

TRANSFORM YOUR LINKEDIN RESULTS

Start using our proven LinkedIn tactics today

If you are, this article should help bring you up to speed so that you can save time and resources that you can redirect toward new growth. The workplace has changed a great deal in the last few years and business owners can’t afford to neglect their most valuable resource -- their employees.

Small businesses have unique human resource needs for their own small-scale situation. Here are seven useful HR tools and resources for seven small business scenarios.

1) For Hiring Good Talent

As a small business, your employees are one of your greatest assets. Hiring the best and the brightest to help grow your business and perpetuate your company’s values should be a priority. Start off on the right foot by being specific in your job descriptions. Then, be clear about your expectations so your candidates will have the best chance of meeting them.

Tool: An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a simple way to track, share, and evaluate applicant information.

Resource: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission offers extensive information to employers regarding obtaining background checks for potential new hires. Eliminate possible discriminatory actions by following all guidelines in your request for and use of background information.

2) For Easing Employee Evaluations

Regularly scheduled evaluations are an important way to document employee performance and determine upward changes in titles and compensation or decide when it’s time to let an employee go.

Tool: Using Performance Management Software will decrease the time it takes to submit and assess evaluations. It will also increase the amount of valuable feedback and performance measurements.

3) For Determining Fair Compensation

One of the trickiest parts of Human Resources can be determining how to pay your employees a fair compensation. Improper pay practices can trigger violations and accompanying fines, which can be costly.

5) For Writing a Useful Employee Handbook

An employee handbook is a must as it serves two purposes: 1) Communicating to your employees your expectations of them; 2) Protecting your business if a dispute arises with one of your employees.

Tool: HR Reporting Software can make it easy for you to create detailed reports on and analyze the results of almost any data in the system. For example, if an employee disputes disciplinary action, you’ll have the means to show a trend of past violations of company policy.

Resource: For guidance on writing your small business’ employee handbook, refer to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) who instructs on writing about every topic from dress codes and attendance to employment classification and insubordination.

6) For Keeping Current with Laws and Regulations

The federal, state, and local government each have their own set of laws, regulations, and reporting requirements. It is critical to keep abreast of them all in order to keep your business license.

7) For Keeping Data Secure

You have a responsibility to your employees to keep their information safe from data breach, computer viruses, and identity theft. Also important is backing up your hard drives so information doesn’t get lost.